Friday, August 16, 2013

Bittersweet...

Tonight I am feeling sad because I am gearing up to head back to work on Monday for another school year. I love my job and I love the kids I teach. It isn't that I want to quit working - because I don't- I find my job fulfilling and challenging and I still like what I do.

 I am just sad because the last 8 weeks have FLOWN by and if I am honest... the last FOUR YEARS have flown by too. I am looking at my kiddos tonight and realizing that I don't have any more babies. Lucy is 1 and a half years old-- she is walking, talking up a storm, her bottles are gone and she is chasing after her sister as fast as her legs can carry her. She is a full-on feisty toddler now with opinions and she blows sweet little kisses. And Isabel is a little GIRL- she is learning to read and write, uses words like apparently and seriously, and can even fold laundry! I had to buy her back to school clothes in the BIG girls section because she is so darn tall-- with her new earrings she looks so grown up.

I love my little girls so much my heart hurts. They are beautiful and smart and funny and such blessings in my life. I am thankful to have been able to spend 8 straight weeks with them this summer -- and maybe because I work full-time I appreciate that time even more- who knows. I tried to stop and soak in moments this summer because I know I will not get them back. I hope my babies know how proud I am of them and how proud I am to be their momma. Fall is always a bittersweet time of year for me. New beginnings, lots of excitement, but an end of summer freedom and a relaxed pace, time with my family.

Here are some more moments from the rest of our summer...


It wouldn't be summer without a family trip to Indiana Beach!
Bel looooved the boardwalk this year. The splash park, rides, and games-- she even tried her first big waterslide with daddy.

Lucy, on the other hand, hated the rides. She is a girl who loves her routines and does not like new things. Lucy was happy to watch her sister and cousin while she rode the stroller all week.  

Ummm... famous boardwalk tacos... and cheese fries... and every other possible type of junk food known to man.

The Kerrusish's surprised us by coming up earlier than expected!

Sweet cousins in their matching jammies.

These goof balls had so much fun being together all week. Isabel and Payton got to have a sleepover every night (I am using the word sleep loosely) and Lucy followed everything they did.

My wacky family-- (rockin the "party shirts")

Getting ready for a fire and Smores.

The weather was not very good this year- cold and rain- but at least we got one good day in the sun!


The little princesses -- ready for dinner on our last night.

 
When we got back we took a day trip to Blackberry Farm.

We went on a beautiful Sunday. Not sure why the girls are posing like this. I think Jason yelled "touchdown" to get their attention so they would look at the camera. (and don't ask about Isabel's outfit. That is an example of mom picking her battles ;)

Picnic time with daddy. We did lots of that this summer.

Here we are about to get on the paddle boats for a leisurely ride. Only.. about two minutes later Lucy had a major meltdown when we tried to board the boat. So mom and Lu watched from the dock.

Isabel on a daddy/daughter boat ride. Good day!
 

Here are the cousins celebrating a birthday with Marcus! This little guy is surrounded by his ladies.
 
and a picture with my honey-
Happy Anniversary- 6 years with my best friend. We tried something a little different for our date night-- Vino Van Gogh -- basically drinks and a painting class with dinner. Neither of us have really ever painted before so we felt pretty good about our creations.

 
and here we are... going to Open House to meet Isabel's  4 year-old preschool teachers.
 
 
See what I mean? So grown up. So beautiful!
Who wants to go to work when they can hang out with these dollies?!
 
 
I adore these girls! I hope you had a wonderful summer too. Now I am off to enjoy my last couple days!
 

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